Warsaw, October 6, 2021
Polish-Kazakh Business Forum
An interview with Mr. Meirzhan Yussupov, Chairman of the Board of the “National Company” KAZAKH INVEST” JSC – Member of the Board of Directors of the Company by Magdalena Sobańska-Cwalina, Ph.D., Boym Institute, Member of the Board, Warsaw, Poland
MSC: Let’s make a quick start. Why Polish entrepreneurs should invest in Kazakhstan?
M.Y.: There are many good reasons. Firstly, the market access. Kazakhstan is the part of the Eurasian Economic Union, so you can consider a 180 million consumer market. Secondly, perfect geographical location. The shortest land connection between Western Europe and China passes through Kazakhstan. We have China on the other side of the border. From Almaty – the former capital of Kazakhstan – there is two to three hours of driveway to the Chinese border. Thirdly, if you conduct a capital investment to Kazakhstan, we have attractive government incentives, such us various tax breaks, subsidies, and plug-and-play infrastructure provided by the government. Fourthly, our population is growing in demographic terms. In terms of UN Human Development Index, we occupy a much higher place compared to our neighbors. We have well educated population which provide quality services at affordable price. Moreover, our country is rich in natural resources and raw materials. Last but not least is political stability. If you take a look at around Kazakhstan, our country is a safe haven for investors.
Magdalena Sobańska-Cwalina (M.S-C): How Poland as a country and Polish products are perceived in your country?
M.Y.: As you can see from the outstanding turnout at the Polish-Kazakh business forum, Polish business is popular in Kazakhstan. And vice versa. Polish goods are regarded very well in Kazakhstan. For example, although we consider Kazakhstan a birthplace of apples, Polish fruits are still exported to Kazakhstan. This shows how well advanced the Polish technology is in terms of agricultural sector. We know also Polcotton very well, an investor to greenhouses in Central Asia. We have also other Polish projects in Kazakhstan like Polpharma which is the pharmaceutical company with a well-established production in our country.
M. S-C.: If a Polish company would like to start a business in Kazakhstan what do they need to know first?
M.Y.: The Kazakh government is putting a lot of efforts to enhance the business climate. We are #25 overall and #22 in terms of easiness of starting a business according to the World Bank’s Doing Business Report. I would advise anyone who is planning to start a business in Kazakhstan to contact KAZAKH INVEST so that we can advise. We also give a hand in finding a local partner in Kazakhstan.
For potential investors we provide comprehensive country information, plus sectoral reviews, and what is important specific investment projects prepared by our team together with international consultants.
Then we organize targeted visits to Kazakhstan. We set up meeting with central government bodies and local authorities. We have representatives in all regions. Important service is business matchmaking, we assist in searching for a strong local partner.
Then we assist in structuring of investment projects providing various options for financing. We guide investors all the way through the project implementation stage. And even after a successful launch, we provide continuous service support on the questions investors may have in doing business in Kazakhstan.
M. S-C.: What are the common mistakes foreign companies make in Kazakhstan?
Many of those mistakes are related to the market. Firstly, all businessmen conduct analysis prior making investments. Sometimes there is a market mismatch: there is not enough market for their products. Secondly, you should carefully think about logistics and local raw materials availability. Therefore, knowledge of the market is essential. If investors come to the KAZAKH INVEST, we help them with market research. It would be also wise to invest in hiring various specialized companies that do real kind of in-depth analysis of that market for their specific products
M.S-C.: What are priority sectors in which you would like to see Polish investors?
M.Y.: There is a large list of priority sectors, including agribusiness, mining, metallurgy, petrochemical industry, infrastructure, renewable energy and others. But personally, I would like to highlight agribusiness given the potential of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is among Top 5 countries globally in terms of potential for growth of agriculture sector. The government is putting a lot of emphasis to attract even more investments in agriculture and food processing. More concretely, feed mills for growing the cattle or greenhouse projects are on top the list. The pandemics demonstrates that food security is essential. We see a lot of interest in investing in Kazakhstan, for consumption domestically and for exports to other markets, e.g. China.
MSC: Both Poland and Kazakhstan have problems with the inefficient water use. Isn’t it a platform for future cooperation?
M.Y.: We are very concerned about the amount of water consumed by irrigation systems in Kazakhstan. The government devotes a lot of attention on how to save water using the modern irrigation technologies. Therefore, we are interested in cooperation with Polish companies on this matter.
M.S-C: Aren’t you afraid of the competition from your southern neighbor, Uzbekistan? The reforms started there may make it more attractive for foreign investors than it was before.
M.Y.: Competition is always good. For so many years we have been the leader in terms of foreign direct investment, in absolute numbers. If someone is doing better than before and wants to compete that gives additional impetus for us to become even better. Many entrepreneurs are investing to the southern part of Kazakhstan, which provides direct access to the entire growing market of Central Asia.
M.S-C: What are the main results of today’s business forum?
M.Y.: We have signed seven documents between Poland and Kazakhstan. It is by far the largest business event during the last four years. There is a very high interest from the Polish business community in terms of investing in Kazakhstan, as well as a strong Kazakh demand for meeting Polish business. We have a lot of positive feedback; I am sure we laid strong foundations for future partnerships.
On October 5, 2021, the Polish-Kazakh Business Forum was held in Warsaw, during which 7 bilateral documents were signed on the implementation of projects in Kazakhstan worth about $ 445 million.
Magdalena Sobańska-Cwalina Central Asia analyst, member of the Board of Directors of the Michal Boym Institute for Asian and Global Studies Foundation, PhD in economics (topic of doctoral dissertation: "Institutional determinants of the activity of Polish companies of the building materials industry in eastern markets"). Privately, she is passionate about classical music.
Więcej informacji na temat: newslettera, polityki prywatności serwisu
czytaj więcej
Foreign Direct Investment in Vietnam
Thanks to continuous economic development, Vietnam attracts a record number of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The catalyst for such a strong growth of FDI in Vietnam is not only the ongoing trade war between the US and China, but also new international agreements.
Jakub KrólczykNot only tests and masks: the history of Polish-Vietnamese mutual helpfulness
On the initiative of the Vietnamese community in Poland and Vietnamese graduates of Polish universities, our country received support from Vietnam - a country that deals with the threat posed by Sars-Cov-2 very effectively.
Grażyna Szymańska-MatusiewiczIn the first part of this analysis of Ulaanbaatar’s winning 2040 General Development Plan Conception (GDPC) I look into the historical preconditions for the city’s planned development as well as present the legislative climate in which works on Ulaanbaatar’s future development strategies have recently found themselves.
Paweł SzczapLessons for China and Taiwan from the war in Ukraine
The situation of Taiwan and Ukraine is often compared. The logic is simple: a democracy is threatened by a repressive, authoritarian regime making territorial claims and denying it the right to exist.
Paweł BehrendtThe Dasgupta Review on Women and the Environmental Crisis
Commissioned in 2019 by the British government and published in February 2021, The Dasgupta Review has been likened to the 2006 Stern Review. Where the latter brought to widespread attention the many failings of the world economy in the face of global warming, the former makes similar points as regards biodiversity – and identifies the unique challenges faced by women.
Dawid JuraszekOnline Course: “Conflict Resolution and Democracy”
The course will be taught via interactive workshops, employing the Adam Institute’s signature “Betzavta – the Adam Institute’s Facilitation Method“, taught by its creator, Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman. The award-winning “Betzavta” method is rooted in an empirical approach to civic education, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
The number of confirmed executions and frequent disappearances of politicians remind us that in North Korea the rules of social Darwinism apply. Any attempt to limit Kim Jong-un's power may be considered hostile and ruthless.
Roman HusarskiOpportunities and challenges of India’s G20 Presidency
Ada Dyndo conducts an interview with Shairee Malhotra on India’s role in G20. Shairee Malhotra serves as a Coordinator of the T20 India Taskforce on Reformed Multilateralism for India’s G20 presidency.
Ada Dyndo“Green growth” may well be more of the same
Witnessing the recent flurry of political activity amid the accelerating environmental emergency, from the Green New Deal to the UN climate summits to European political initiatives, one could be forgiven for thinking that things are finally moving forward.
Dawid JuraszekWomen in Public Debate – A Guide to Organising Inclusive and Meaningful Discussions
On the occasion of International Women's Day, we warmly invite you to read our guide to good practices: "Women in Public Debate – A Guide to Organising Inclusive and Meaningful Discussions."
Ada DyndoFrom ‘strategic engagement’ to ‘competition’. Interview with William Yu
Ewelina Horoszkiewicz in conversation with Professor William Yu (UCLA) on USA, China and Europe. Professor William Yu is an economist with the UCLA Anderson Forecast and specializes in the economies of Los Angeles and China.
Ewelina HoroszkiewiczThis is the second part of an inquiry into Ulaanbaatar’s winning 2040 General Development Plan Conception (GDPC). In this part of paper, I look into some of the plans and/or solutions proposed in Ulaanbaatar’s 2040 GDPC.
Paweł SzczapNew Female Prime Minister Faces Thailand’s Political Turmoil
Thailand, known for military coups, political downfalls, and dashed democratic hopes, has a new Prime Minister. Paetongtarn Shinawatra is not only the youngest elected Prime Minister in the country's history and the second woman to hold this post, but she is also a member of the Shinawatra political dynasty.
Andżelika SerwatkaAsia-Integration – Follow-up Report on Polish Policy Challenges Towards Asian Countries
The debate was the consequence of positive reactions to the open letter that the Boym Institute published in the summer of 2020. Many of its readers pointed out the necessity of broad consultations regarding the principles of the new multidimensional policy in order to reflect the diversity of perspectives, interests and conditions.
Patrycja Pendrakowska made it to the Top 40 under 40 Europe-India leaders list
#EuropeIndia40, an initiative of EICBI, covers the stories of leaders below the age of 40 and their contributions to promoting EU India / UK India relations.
At the Boym Institute we are coming out with new initiative: #WomeninBoym, which aims to show the activity of this – often less visible – half of society. We will write about what women think, say and do. We will also publicise what women are researching and writing.
Young Indo-Pacific: Forward-looking perspectives on the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy
The Boym Institute, working with other think tanks, organizes panel discussions on topics related to the European Union's Indo-Pacific strategy
Book review: “North Korea’s Cities”
Book review of "North Korea’s Cities", written by Rainer Dormels and published byJimoondang Publishing Company in 2014.
Nicolas LeviHow to deal with gender-based segregation?
Interview on the project Supporting the Economic Empowerment of Afghan Women through Education and Training in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Magdalena Sobańska-Cwalina and Krzysztof M. Zalewski (The Boym Institute) in discussion with: Yakup Beris, Johannes Stenbaek Madsen, Maria Dotsenko, Gulnar Smailova,
Zespół Instytutu BoymaBeyond Grey Hulls: Europe’s Role in “Crowdsourcing” Maritime Domain Awareness in the South China Sea
If developments observed in the South China Sea over the recent months are of any indication, it simply means that the situation has worsened. China’s continued aggression towards its neighbors – the Philippines and Vietnam in particular, has continued unabated.
Collin KohCoronavirus outbreak in Poland – General information and recommendations for entrepreneurs
Kochański & Partners and the Boym Institute engaged in delivering information about latest after-effects of COVID-19 pandemia, which has begun to spread in Poland during the past days.
The Boym Institute contribution to the Transcultural Caravan project
We are pleased to announce, that our analysts and contributors are among authors of the newest publication - "European Perspectives on the New Silk Roads – A Transcultural Approach".
We would like to inform, that Observer Research Foundation has published article of Patrycja Pendrakowska - the Boym Institute Analyst and President of the Board.
Patrycja PendrakowskaRoman Catholic cemetery in Harbin (1903-1958)
First burials of Catholics, mostly Poles but also other Non-Orthodox believers took place in future Harbin in the so called small „old” or later Pokrovskoe Orthodox cemetery in the future European New Town quarter and small graveyards at the military and civilian hospitals of Chinese Eastern Railway at the turn of XIX and XX century.
Jerzy Czajewski